Fun Places in Detroit

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A major port city with almost a million residents, Detroit offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to entertainment. Best known for its automotive industry, Detroit is also home to attractions related to music, history and the arts. Detroit has a continental climate, which makes its summers cooler and its winters warmer than other northern cities, perfect for visiting all year round.

Detroit Riverfront

When it comes to free entertainment, it doesn't get any better than the Detroit Riverfront. From incredible water views to free live concerts (both classical and rock), this is a great place to be year round. During the summer, though, the Riverfront is one of Detroit's main destinations for both locals and visitors alike. The historical Merry-Go-Round is a favorite, as are the Tri-Centennial State Park amphitheater and the biking and walking paths alongside the water. The Detroit Electronic Music Festival and the International Freedom Festival are held here. So is the Detroit International Jazz Festival. Dates for all three festivals vary, but information can be found at the city's official riverfront website. Belle Isle Park, accessible via the MacArthur Bridge, has a nature center, golf course and wooded trails. Detroit Riverfront Detroit, MI 48243 313-566-8200 detroitriverfront.org

Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is one of the few forts in the United States that sits within the limits of a city. Built in the 1840s to replace an early fort, most of the original buildings remain intact and are open to visitors. This includes the barracks, artillery ports, guardhouse and hospital. Both the Fort Wayne Military Museum and the Tuskegee Airmen (dedicated to African-American pilots who flew during WWII) operate in the premises. There are also Civil War reenactments, flea markets and festivals held here throughout the year. Guided tours of the buildings offer valuable information about the place and era. Fort Wayne 6325 W. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, MI 48243 313-297-9360 historicfortwaynecoalition.com

Motown Historical Museum

Whether you're a fan of Motown or just curious about its history, this museum will give you a chance to explore memorabilia, costumes and photographs of some of the most important stars of the century--including Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Jackson 5. The museum itself is housed in a converted studio apartment, which is where Motown Records got its real start. The museum allows only guided tours, a surprising benefit given how much the workers know about the history and legend of the huge stars that got their start at Motown. The second floor of the museum houses the original recording studio and control room. Motown Historical Museum 2648 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48243 313-875-2264 motownmuseum.com

About the Author

Tammy Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life and Self. She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.

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Images related to Detroit

A montage of images of landmarks in Detroit. From top left: Downtown Detroit skyline, seen from Windsor, Fox Theatre, Dorothy H. Turkel House in Palmer Woods, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory at Belle Isle Park, Spirit of Detroit, Fisher Building, Eastern Market, Old Main at Wayne State University, Ambassador Bridge, and the Detroit Institute ...